English spelling can feel surprisingly complicated, especially when a simple word changes form. One common question people ask is whether the correct spelling is tries or trys. At first glance, both seem possible, but only one follows standard English grammar.
If you have ever paused while writing and wondered about trys vs tries, you are not alone. This guide explains the difference clearly so you can use the right form with confidence in emails, essays, and everyday writing.
Tries or Trys: The Correct Answer
When comparing tries or trys, the correct spelling is:
- Tries
- Trys
The word tries is the correct third-person singular form of the verb try.
Example:
- She tries her best every day.
The spelling trys is considered incorrect in standard English.
Why “Tries” Is Correct
To understand trys or tries, it helps to know a simple grammar rule.
When a verb ends in a consonant + y, the y usually changes to i before adding -es.
Formula:
try → tries
Other examples:
- cry → cries
- fly → flies
- reply → replies
Because try follows this pattern, the proper form is always tries.
Why “Trys” Is Incorrect
Many people write trys because they assume they can simply add -s to the base word. That works for some verbs, but not for verbs ending in consonant + y.
Incorrect:
- He trys too hard.
Correct:
- He tries too hard.
The spelling trys breaks the standard grammar pattern and should be avoided in formal writing.
Tries vs Trys: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is a quick comparison of trys vs tries:
| Word | Correct? | Usage |
| Tries | Yes | Third-person singular verb |
| Trys | No | Misspelling |
Whenever you are unsure about trys or tries spelling, choose tries.
How to Use “Tries” Correctly
The word tries can appear in several common situations.
Present tense verb
- My brother tries to exercise every morning.
- She tries new recipes on weekends.
In professional writing
- The company tries to improve customer service each year.
In conversation
- He always tries to make people laugh.
Simple Rule to Remember
A quick way to remember the correct spelling:
Change the “y” to “i” before adding “es”
try → tries
This works because:
- the letter before y is a consonant
- English grammar changes the ending
Think:
- try → tries
not - try → trys
That small spelling shift makes a big difference.
Common Mistakes with Tries
People often misuse the word in writing.
Incorrect:
- She trys to stay positive.
Correct:
- She tries to stay positive.
Incorrect:
- The dog trys to catch the ball.
Correct:
- The dog tries to catch the ball.
Checking this one detail can make your writing look more polished.
Other Forms of the Word “Try”
Understanding related forms can make the grammar easier.
Base form
- try
Third-person singular
- tries
Past tense
- tried
Present participle
- trying
Examples:
- I try every day.
- She tries every day.
- They tried yesterday.
- We are trying now.
Why This Mistake Happens So Often
The confusion around tries or trys happens because English spelling is not always intuitive.
Common reasons include:
- typing too quickly
- forgetting grammar rules
- assuming all verbs simply add “s”
- seeing incorrect spellings online
Because “trys” looks plausible, many writers do not notice the error immediately.
Read also <<< Natzi or Nazi
FAQs
Is “trys” ever correct?
No. Trys is not correct in standard English.
Which is right: tries or trys?
The correct spelling is tries.
Why does try become tries?
Because verbs ending in consonant + y change y to i before adding -es.
Is “tries” singular or plural?
Tries is singular because it matches he, she, or it.
What is the plural of try?
As a noun, the plural can be:
- multiple tries
Example:
- After several tries, he succeeded.
Conclusion
The debate over tries or trys is simpler than it seems. The correct spelling is always tries, while trys is a common misspelling that should be avoided.
Remember the grammar rule: when a verb ends in a consonant plus y, change the y to i and add -es. The next time you hesitate between trys vs tries, you will know exactly which one belongs in your writing.
